Lumcloon National School
Cloghan, Offaly
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 33 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 12 girls, 21 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18777Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Lumcloon National School is a co‑educational, Catholic‑ethos primary school that serves children from junior infants through sixth class. The school operates a vertical mixed system and provides a broad, inclusive curriculum that balances academic learning with spiritual, cultural and physical development. A strong emphasis is placed on equality and inclusivity, with policies that prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, race or ethnicity. Gaelic language is actively promoted through daily activities and formal lessons, reinforcing the cultural heritage of the community. The school is well‑equipped with modern learning facilities, including three newly installed interactive whiteboards that enhance classroom engagement across all subjects. Specialist support is available for pupils with additional needs, comprising dedicated ASD classes, a special education teacher and a team of seven special needs assistants. Extracurricular life is vibrant, featuring regular music concerts, tag‑rugby blitzes, participation in the Cúmhnú na mBunscol football competition and a range of fundraising events that foster community spirit. Opening hours see pupils arriving at 9.10 am, with formal instruction beginning at 9.40 am. The school day concludes at 2.00 pm for infants and 3.00 pm for older classes, providing a structured yet nurturing environment where each child is encouraged to reach their full potential academically, socially and spiritually.
History
Lumcloon National School opened in 1964, replacing the historic Bun National School which had been established in 1885 as a one‑teacher rural school. Bun NS operated for decades with modest facilities, no electricity or running water until the 1950s, and a daily routine that included outdoor breaks and community‑based teaching arrangements. The transition to Lumcloon NS marked a significant development for the area, and the school celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the opening of its new classrooms (opened in 2005).
Applying to Lumcloon National School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Lumcloon National School. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Lumcloon National School
How many pupils attend Lumcloon National School?
Lumcloon National School has 33 pupils enrolled, 12 girls and 21 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Lumcloon National School a DEIS school?
No. Lumcloon National School is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Lumcloon National School?
Lumcloon National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.